Impacted Workers
Port of Baltimore workers whose employment status is affected by the collapse may be eligible for local and state assistance.
Unemployment Insurance is available to eligible employees who worked in Maryland and have been laid off or are working reduced hours due to the Key Bridge collapse. The Maryland Department of Labor has an Unemployment Insurance Hotline - (667) 930-5989 set up to answer questions or you can visit their mobile site at Steamship Trade Association 1901 Portal Street Baltimore, MD 21224 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Maryland Department of Labor’s Port of Baltimore Emergency Worker Support Program provides temporary payments to Port workers. Port workers who qualify for unemployment insurance may also receive Worker Support Program payments. For more information visit https://www.labor.maryland.gov/portworkersupport/.
Anne Arundel County Workforce Development has assistance resources available for businesses and individuals impacted by the Port closure.
Impacted residents who need assistance with food insecurity can visit any of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank pantries.
Over 40 credit unions that are part of the Maryland-DC Credit Union Association have joined the economic and financial response to credit union customers who are impacted by the Key Bridge collapse. These relief programs include:
- Deferments on consumer loan payments
- Deferments on mortgage payments
- Waivers on overdraft and/or late payment fees
Existing customers of BayVanguard Bank who are directly impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse may be eligible for direct deposit assistance, payment deferments, and other assistance programs.
The Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel has been awarded a grant from the Baltimore Community Foundation to support workers from the Port of Baltimore. Workers can apply for assistance at 613 Global Way, Linthicum Heights, MD. For more information visit https://aaccaa.org/.
Businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides Disaster Loan Assistance for affected small businesses.
SBA Business Recovery Centers Hours
- American Job Center | 7930 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED
- Care First Engagement Center | 1501 S. Clinton St, Baltimore MD 21224
- Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Sunday: CLOSED
The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Port of Baltimore Emergency Assistance Program provides grants to support businesses that rely on the use of or access to the Port and whose business operations or shipments are hindered or halted entirely due to the redacted operations of the Port.
The Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)’s Neighborhood Business Works Program provides grants and low-interest loans for small businesses to support operating expenses.
The Comptroller of Maryland’s Business Tax Payments waiver is available to waive any late payment or interest on certain business taxes through May 31, 2024. Businesses do not need to apply for this waiver, the waiver is applied automatically For more information visit
The Comptroller of Maryland’s International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) Requirements Waiver will waive certain IFTA requirements – specifically IFTA licensing and decal requirements for motor carriers hauling freight to and from a seaport through May 31st. This is intended to provide temporary relief for the additional operating costs the trucking industry has faced since the Key Bridge collapse.
Crisis and Mental Health Resources
Anne Arundel County
Crisis Response Warmline
(410) 768-5522
Baltimore City/County
Crisis Support Call Center
Call or Text 988
Transportation Impacts
AVOID SOUTHEAST I-695
Outer Loop closed at MD 173 (exit 1)
Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Exp (exit 43)
Alt Routes I-95 OR I-895 Tunnels
The 695 outer loop is closed at Exit 1, and the 695 inner loop is closed at Exit 43.
Restrictions are in place for vehicles transporting hazardous materials (including propane over 10 lbs) in I-95 & I-895 tunnels. Vehicles in excess of 13' -6" inches, in height, or 96" (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel is Height – 14’ - 6” Width – 11’ - 0”. For more information visit mdta.maryland.gov/keybridgenews.
For additional road closure information visit chart.maryland.gov/InteractiveMap/GetInteractiveMap.
The Port of Baltimore is still open for truck transactions but remains closed to vessel traffic until further notice. For more information visit mdta.maryland.gov/keybridgenews.
Air Traffic Restrictions
Air traffic restrictions remain in place. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
Debris
A Debris Reporting Hotline (410) 205-6625 has been established for residents to report wreckage from the Key Bridge washing up on the shore or in the waterway. Members of the public are asked to avoid touching materials suspected to be part of the wreckage.
The Maryland Insurance Administration offers a variety of services and resources to help Maryland consumers and businesses with insurance needs.
Donations
The Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund provides a secure way for Baltimoreans and those who care for them to contribute to the recovery and resilience of Baltimore as a result of the March 26 Key Bridge tragedy. This fund supports regional efforts to heal, respond and memorialize in coordination with adjacent efforts with our strategic partners. Visit https://bcf.org/maryland-tough-baltimore-strong-key-bridge-fund/ for more information or to make a donation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: On Tuesday, March 26 at approximately 1:30 am, the container ship M/V Dali allided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge destroying a significant portion of the bridge and killing six individuals. An investigation is ongoing as to what caused the collision.
A: The channel is expected to be cleared by the end of May 2024. This timeline is subject to change but, confidence is high that the goal can be met.
A: A Debris Reporting Hotline (410) 205-6625 has been established for residents to report wreckage from the Key Bridge washing up on the shore or in the waterway. Members of the public are asked to avoid touching materials suspected to be part of the wreckage.
A: There is no anticipated date for when reconstruction of the bridge will commence. Efforts are focused on cleanup and recovery operations. Updates will be forthcoming.
A: Anticipated costs are unavailable at this time as cleanup and recovery efforts are still ongoing.
A: It is normal operating procedure for the crew to remain on the ship following an incident of this nature. The crew of the M/V Dali is engaged in maintaining the current status of the ship. They were prepared for a 35-day voyage and have ample supplies on board to support them. We are maintaining an open line of communication with the crew via their ship’s representative, and they appear in good spirits and health. We will continue to monitor their situation and needs and address as necessary.
A: The Port of Baltimore is open, but the Fort McHenry federal channel is closed. A fully opened federal channel to facilitate commercial activity and other critical operations at the Port of Baltimore remains a top priority of the Unified Command. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established a goal to support a one-way channel for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels by the beginning of May. Right now, two temporary channels are open for commercially essential vessels that have been authorized by the Captain of the Port.
A: The safety of the public is a top priority for the Key Bridge Response Unified Command, and we know use of the waterway is important to recreational mariners. The Captain of the Port has authorized scheduled transits through the temporary alternate channels. Mariners are encouraged to check Sector Maryland-NCR's homeport site for future transit opportunities.
A: The containers are currently stored at Sparrows Point.
A: MDE has established a temporary transfer station at Tradepoint Atlantic’s coal pier to receive debris. Ensuring the safe collection and storage of any salvaged materials is one of the highest priorities of the consolidated federal response team. We are working collectively to identify solutions that are environmentally sound to store and secure salvage.
A: There were a total 4700 containers being transported on the M/V Dali. Those containers house a variety of material and products.
A: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established a “No Drone Zone” to ensure the safety and security of personnel and equipment that need uninterrupted ariel access to the wreckage. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the No Drone Zone and anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
A: Individuals and businesses affected by the collapse may be eligible for local and state assistance. For more information visit https://response.maryland.gov/bridge.
A: There has been no major spill of fuel or oil. MDE performed water sampling upriver and downriver from the site on 3/26 that showed no contaminants related to the incident. Testing will continue indefinitely every few days, potentially through recovery, salvage, dredging and construction.
A: 3,250 feet of boom, which is used to contain and absorb any pollution, has been placed around most of the ship. MDE continues to work closely in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies as part of a Unified Command.
A: Of the more than 4,000 cargo containers on the ship, 56 contain hazardous materials, including corrosive and flammable substances, lithium metal batteries and other chemicals. The hazardous chemicals onboard that spilled from 14 damaged or destroyed containers were soap products, perfume products, or not otherwise specified resin. There is no threat to wildlife. Fish consumption advisories are unchanged and it is permissible to consume crabs and oysters in the Patapsco River provided that boats keep a safe distance from the recovery site.